Patna — Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) national president Lalu Prasad Yadav hinted at a potential alliance with Union Minister Pashupati Kumar Paras during the latter’s traditional Dahi-Chura feast Wednesday.

Yadav’s presence at the event, accompanied by his elder son Tej Pratap Yadav, signaled a potential political shift in Bihar ahead of the Assembly elections later this year.

Speaking to the media, Yadav said, “Paras is with us,” sparking speculation about a formal alliance between the RJD and Paras’ Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP). The significance of this statement is heightened by the RLJP’s current marginalization within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Chirag Paswan’s faction of the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) gained prominence ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, leaving Paras’ RLJP without any seats or significant role in the alliance.

The Dahi-Chura feast, traditionally a symbol of harmony and camaraderie, has often been used for political maneuvering and behind-the-scenes discussions. This year’s event, with Yadav’s attendance despite his health concerns, underscores the significance of potential political strategies and alliances in the lead-up to the Bihar Assembly elections.

Paras, a key leader and younger brother of the late Ram Vilas Paswan, leads the RLJP. His party’s side-lining within the NDA has led to Paras exploring new political options, a move that could significantly impact the political landscape of Bihar in the coming months.